Columbia Basin Fish and Wildlife Program Columbia Basin Fish and Wildlife Program
RSS Feed for updates to Project 2002-070-00 - Lapwai Creek Anadromous Habitat Follow this via RSS feed. Help setting up RSS feeds?

Project Summary

Project 2002-070-00 - Lapwai Creek Anadromous Habitat
Project Number:
2002-070-00
Title:
Lapwai Creek Anadromous Habitat
Summary:
This project restores, protects and enhances steelhead spawning and rearing habitat in the Lapwai Creek Watershed. Information is collected to fill data gaps and BMPs are installed on agricultural and forest lands to achieve biological objectives.

Lapwai Creek historically provided spawning and rearing habitat for A-run wild summer steelhead in the Clearwater River Subbasin. However, the regular occurrence of extreme high runoff events and low summer flows, high summer water temperatures, poor instream/riparian cover, and siltation of spawning gravels have become limiting factors in the watershed. Low stream flows and a lack of adequate multi-layered riparian vegetation along with excessive sediment have reduced the suitability of Lapwai Creek and its tributaries as quality spawning and rearing habitat for anadromous and resident cold water fish. In addition, sediment, nutrients, and bacteria from existing land use practices adversely impact water quality. The primary pollutant sources and habitat degradations are agricultural, livestock, forestry and road practices. The large percentage of private land and low agricultural commodity prices prohibit landowners from implementing practices to solve these problems.

The Nez Perce Soil and Water Conservation District (NPSWCD or District) requested funding for the Restoring Fish Habitat in the Lapwai Creek Watershed project proposal to enhance steelhead trout natural production within the Lapwai Creek watershed by improving salmonid spawning and rearing habitat. The project funds coordination, planning, technical assistance, conservation practice design and implementation, monitoring, and educational outreach to identify and correct problems associated with agricultural and livestock activities impacting water quality and salmonid habitat. The project addresses specific needs identified in the Clearwater Subbasin Summary 2001 Draft and the 2000 Columbia River Basin Fish and Wildlife Program documents.

This proposal was coordinated with the Idaho Department of Fish and Game (IDFG), Idaho Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ), University of Idaho (U of I), Nez Perce Tribe (NPT), Clearwater Focus Program, Clearwater Basin Weed Committee, and the Nez Perce County Board of Commissioners.
Proposer:
None
Proponent Orgs:
Nez Perce Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) (SWCD)
Starting FY:
2002
Ending FY:
2025
BPA PM:
Stage:
Implementation - Project Status Report
Area:
Province Subbasin %
Mountain Snake Clearwater 100.00%
Purpose:
Habitat
Emphasis:
Restoration/Protection
Focal Species:
Chinook - Snake River Fall ESU
Chinook - Snake River Spring/Summer
Chinook - Snake River Spring/Summer ESU
Chinook - Upper Columbia River Spring ESU
Coho - Unspecified Population
Lamprey, Pacific
Lamprey, River
Other Resident
Pikeminnow, Northern
Steelhead - All Populations
Steelhead - Snake River DPS
Trout, Interior Redband
Trout, Rainbow
Whitefish, Mountain
Species Benefit:
Anadromous: 100.0%   Resident: 0.0%   Wildlife: 0.0%
Special:
None

Description: Page: 1 Cover: Cover photo

Project(s): 2002-070-00

Document: P123311

Dimensions: 960 x 1243

Description: Page: 4 Figure 1: Nez Perce Soil and Water Conservation District location map.

Project(s): 2002-070-00

Document: P123311

Dimensions: 216 x 281

Description: Page: 6 Figure 2: Lapwai Creek watershed general location map.

Project(s): 2002-070-00

Document: P123311

Dimensions: 800 x 1100

Description: Page: 9 Photo 1: No caption provided.

Project(s): 2002-070-00

Document: P123311

Dimensions: 375 x 282

Description: Page: 9 Photo 2: No caption provided.

Project(s): 2002-070-00

Document: P123311

Dimensions: 377 x 283

Description: Page: 10 Photo 3: No caption provided.

Project(s): 2002-070-00

Document: P123311

Dimensions: 354 x 265

Description: Page: 10 Photo 4: No caption provided.

Project(s): 2002-070-00

Document: P123311

Dimensions: 373 x 280

Description: Page: 10 Photo 5: No caption provided.

Project(s): 2002-070-00

Document: P123311

Dimensions: 180 x 135

Description: Page: 12 Photo 6: Lapwai Creek Stream Temperature Monitoring Locations

Project(s): 2002-070-00

Document: P123311

Dimensions: 850 x 1100

Description: Page: 13 Photo 7: No caption provided.

Project(s): 2002-070-00

Document: P123311

Dimensions: 252 x 335

Description: Page: 13 Photo 8: No caption provided.

Project(s): 2002-070-00

Document: P123311

Dimensions: 378 x 283

Description: Page: 13 Photo 9: No caption provided.

Project(s): 2002-070-00

Document: P123311

Dimensions: 376 x 284

Description: Page: 13 Photo 10: No caption provided.

Project(s): 2002-070-00

Document: P123311

Dimensions: 377 x 284

Description: Page: 15 Photo 11: No caption provided.

Project(s): 2002-070-00

Document: P123311

Dimensions: 180 x 136

Description: Page: 15 Photo 12: No caption provided.

Project(s): 2002-070-00

Document: P123311

Dimensions: 377 x 284

Description: Page: 15 Photo 13: No caption provided.

Project(s): 2002-070-00

Document: P123311

Dimensions: 376 x 282

Description: Site prior to barrier removal. Shows barrier.

Contract(s):

38238

Dimensions: 2048 x 1536

Description: Map showing knapweed infestation area and spot spraying control area.

Contract(s):

38238

Dimensions: 1100 x 648

Description: Spot spraying knapweed with Correctional Facility Labor.

Contract(s):

38238

Dimensions: 3072 x 1819

Description: Construction photo showing removal of bridge end.

Contract(s):

38238

Dimensions: 2052 x 2012

Description: Removal of BST from Bridge Surface

Contract(s):

38238

Dimensions: 2492 x 1745

Description: After BST removal. Bridge deck is prepared for removal.

Contract(s):

38238

Dimensions: 2615 x 1837

Description: Deck removal stage 1

Contract(s):

38238

Dimensions: 2421 x 1617

Description: Removal of deck - stage 2

Contract(s):

38238

Dimensions: 2389 x 1958

Description: Deck Removal Stage 3

Contract(s):

38238

Dimensions: 2600 x 1801

Description: deck removal stage 4

Contract(s):

38238

Dimensions: 1744 x 1596

Description: Deck removal completed

Contract(s):

38238

Dimensions: 3072 x 1503

Description: Bridge Abutment Removal

Contract(s):

38238

Dimensions: 2411 x 2304

Description: Bridge Abutment Removal

Contract(s):

38238

Dimensions: 2788 x 1651

Description: Photo looking downstream of site where thermograph was deployed in Polly Canyon, a tributary to Webb Creek.

Contract(s):

57048

Dimensions: 1600 x 1200

Description: View downstream of thermograph located near Lapwai Creek and Clearwater River confluence

Contract(s):

57048

Dimensions: 1600 x 1200

Description: Photo looking downstream of thermograph located at Slickpoo road crossing on Mission Creek.

Contract(s):

57048

Dimensions: 1600 x 1200

Description: Photo looking upstream from thermograph site #1 located on Rock Creek, a tributary of Mission Creek.

Contract(s):

57048

Dimensions: 1650 x 1275

Description: 2400 biocontrol agents (Aceria malherbae) gall mites were released at this site. Photo shows infestation of field bindweed (Convolvulus arvensis L.) in the fence row. The mite feeds on the leaves during the growing season and migrates to roots in dormant season. The insects were obtained from the Nez Perce Tribe Biocontrol Center. Photo taken by Kayla Dau.

Contract(s):

61265

Dimensions: 1600 x 1200

Description: Photo of field bindweed gall mite. Insect is microscopic and feeds on leaves of field bindweed. Photo courtesy of USDA-Agricultural Research Service Archive, bugwood.org.

Contract(s):

61265

Dimensions: 768 x 512

Description: Photo is of location where thermograph is deployed. Stream temperature data collected at this to document temperature ranges prior to a riparian project planting. This site is one of several proposed for planting in 2017.

Contract(s):

61265

Dimensions: 1600 x 1200

Description: Photo showing Webb Creek in May 2013 at the stream temperature site WC03 location.

Contract(s):

61265

Dimensions: 448 x 336

Description: View of Webb Creek in November 2013 at the WC03 stream temperature deployment site.

Contract(s):

61265

Dimensions: 800 x 600

Description: VIew of orange hawkweed found during July 2013 inventory. Site is forestland and is located in the Mission Creek drainage of the Lapwai Creek watershed.

Contract(s):

61265

Dimensions: 1600 x 1200

Description: View of orange hawkweed found during inventory in July 2013. Site is a grazed meadow and is located in the Mission Creek tributary of Lapwai Creek.

Contract(s):

61265

Dimensions: 448 x 336

Description: View of bank erosion and erosion site 1 along Sweetwater Creek. April 2014.

Contract(s):

61265

Dimensions: 640 x 479

Description: View of streambank erosion along Lapwai Creek at inventory site number 33. February 2014. Photo taken during streambank erosion inventory.

Contract(s):

61265

Dimensions: 1920 x 2560

Description: View of streambank erosion at site 95 along Lapwai Creek. Photo dated April 2014.

Contract(s):

61265

Dimensions: 640 x 479

Description: View of streambank erosion at site 65 along Lapwai Creek. Photo April 2014

Contract(s):

61265

Dimensions: 640 x 479

Description: Potential project site located in LC2 assessment unit.

Contract(s):

61265

Dimensions: 448 x 299

Description: Potential riparian restoration site in LC2 assessment unit.

Contract(s):

61265

Dimensions: 448 x 299

Description: Knotweed stems are injected with glyphosate in July 2014. Site is located on mainstem Lapwai Creek near Spalding. Infestation levels at this site have reduced 90% since treatment began.

Contract(s):

64969

Location: 46.448333° N, -116.817500° E

Dimensions: 1892 x 1566

Description: Knotweed stems are injected with glyphosate along Mission Creek in July 2014. Infestation levels at this site have decreased by 88% since treatment began. Knotweed is difficult to treat in this area due to the density of riparian trees.

Contract(s):

64969

Location: 46.345000° N, -116.718888° E

Dimensions: 2186 x 1447

Description: Hydroseeding for bank erosion control

Contract(s):

64969

Dimensions: 2560 x 1920

Description: Image taken during a site evaluation along a section of eroding streambank along Tom Beall Creek. The 12 foot high, 110 foot section is located adjacent to Tom Beall Road. Site is under consideration for future project activities.

Contract(s):

64969

Dimensions: 383 x 680

Description: Images taken during site assessment of the Mission Creek bridge low flow barrier. The bridge restricts flows, deposits debris and causes passage barrier. Site is under consideration for future project activities.

Contract(s):

64969

Dimensions: 680 x 525

Description: Image taken during a site evaluation along a section of eroding streambank along Mission Creek. Site is under consideration for future project activities.

Contract(s):

64969

Dimensions: 680 x 510

Description: Image taken during a site evaluation. Site is located in cropland along Thunderhill Road. Site is under consideration for future project activities.

Contract(s):

64969

Dimensions: 453 x 680

Description: Image taken during a site evaluationof an eroding crop field near Thunder Hill. Site is under consideration for future project activities.

Contract(s):

64969

Dimensions: 680 x 453

Description: SIte A of the Tom Beall Driving Tour - image used to illustrate to land owners some of the features observed at this site.

Contract(s):

64969

Dimensions: 680 x 233

Description: MC-06 is a temperature monitoring site located upstream of the confluence of Mission and Lapwai Creeks on Mission Creek. This image shows the stream downstream of the monitoring site in the Spring of 2014.

Contract(s):

64969

Dimensions: 680 x 510

Description: MC-06 is a temperature monitoring site located upstream of the confluence of Mission and Lapwai Creeks on Mission Creek. This image shows the stream downstream of the monitoring site in the November of 2014.

Contract(s):

64969

Location: 46.366905° N, -116.736594° E

Dimensions: 508 x 680

Description: MC-06 is a temperature monitoring site located upstream of the confluence of Mission and Lapwai Creeks on Mission Creek. This image shows the stream upstream of the monitoring site in the Spring of 2014.

Contract(s):

64969

Dimensions: 680 x 510

Description: MC-06 is a temperature monitoring site located upstream of the confluence of Mission and Lapwai Creeks on Mission Creek. This image shows the stream upstream of the monitoring site in the Fall of 2014.

Contract(s):

64969

Location: 46.366905° N, -116.736594° E

Dimensions: 508 x 680

Description: LC-06 is a temperature monitoring site locatedat the upstream end of the Sweetwater Levee along Lapwai Creek. This image shows the stream upstream of the monitoring site in the Spring of 2014.

Contract(s):

64969

Location: 46.366300° N, -116.793938° E

Dimensions: 510 x 680

Description: LC-06 is a temperature monitoring site locatedat the upstream end of the Sweetwater Levee along Lapwai Creek. This image shows the stream upstream of the monitoring site in the Fall of 2014.

Contract(s):

64969

Dimensions: 508 x 680

Description: Stream temperature monitoring site SC02 on 4/1/15. Location is Sweetwater Creek

Contract(s):

68701

Dimensions: 448 x 336

Description: Photo shows the hawkweed blooming in the meadow. The landowner used spot spraying techniques to treat the orange hawkweed infestations.

Contract(s):

68701

Dimensions: 3072 x 2304

Description: District staff provide fish habitat restoration educational information to public at 2015 Earth Day Event

Contract(s):

68701

Dimensions: 640 x 480

Description: Stream temperature monitoring site at the downstream end of a planting project on Mission Creek. Photo taken 3_28_17

Contract(s):

72618

Dimensions: 448 x 336

Description: View of Mission Creek looking downstream from Slickpoo Road crossing. Stream temperature is monitored at this location. Photo taken 3/28/2017

Contract(s):

72618

Dimensions: 448 x 336

Description: Riparian Restoration site 15-1584 photo taken along Rock Creek, a tributary to Lapwai Creek. Image shows the weed barrier fabric with plantings and a mowed strip adjacent to the site. The grasses surrounding the plants are present in this image, but were hand pulled as part of the site maintenance. Image date 6/6/2016.

Contract(s):

72618

Dimensions: 2560 x 1920

Description: This photo represents one of the site maintenance techniques used along a 1.25 mile riparian restoration site at South Tom Beall Creek, a tributary to the Lapwai Creek watershed. The image shows the use of a blade mower to reduce the vegetation competition around trees. The tree tops are barely visible above the vegetation in this image. Reduction of vegetative mass around plantings is completed for 3 years following the planting date. We have found an increased survival of the planted trees/shrubs using this method.

Contract(s):

72618

Location: 46.438055° N, -116.755833° E

Dimensions: 1875 x 1365

Description: This image shows a black cottonwood tree visible after the site was mowed. Image date August 2016. The mowing assists in reducing vegetation competition for water, nutrients, and sunlight. Mowing is discontinued once the tree height exceeds the grass height.

Contract(s):

72618

Location: 46.437500° N, -116.755833° E

Dimensions: 2560 x 1920

Description: This image shows vegetation control using a weed eater. This method is used when the site is uneven or terrain prevents the use of a larger mower. When using a weed eater, a 6 foot circle is trimmed around the riparian vegetation.

Contract(s):

72618

Location: 46.437777° N, -116.751666° E

Dimensions: 2560 x 1920

Description: Image taken 8/29/2016 at one of the Nez Perce Soil and Water Conservation District's project sites on Sweetwater Creek. Pictured (l to r) are Bobby Hills, Jim Yost, Todd Wittman, Travis House and Emmit Taylor. Representatives from the Nez Perce Tribe, Northwest Power Planning and Conservation Council, and Nez Perce Soil and Water Conservation District.

Contract(s):

72618

Dimensions: 5312 x 2988

Description: Image from the Lapwai Creek watershed coordination tour held on 8/29/2016. Image shows left to right Emmit Taylor, Janet Hohle, Travis House, Bob Reis, Todd Wittman. Group is at the Sweetwater acclimation ponds within the Sweetwater watershed. Tour participants represented Nez Perce Tribe, Idaho Governor's Office of Species Conservation, NOAA fisheries, and Nez Perce Soil and Water Conservation District.

Contract(s):

72618

Dimensions: 5312 x 2988

Description: Image of a segment of Mission Creek where planning activities occurred in 2017. Image 4/4/2017.

Contract(s):

72618

Dimensions: 2988 x 5312

Description: Image taken 4/4/2017 of a segment of Rock Creek, a tributary to Mission Creek. Project planning will begin at this site in the next contract period 2017/2018.

Contract(s):

72618

Dimensions: 5312 x 2988


Summary of Budgets

To view all expenditures for all fiscal years, click "Project Exp. by FY"

To see more detailed project budget information, please visit the "Project Budget" page

Decided Budget Transfers  (FY2024 - FY2026)

Acct FY Acct Type Amount Fund Budget Decision Date
FY2024 Expense $270,918 From: BiOp FCRPS 2008 (non-Accord) FY24 SOY Budget Upload 06/01/2023
FY2025 Expense $270,918 From: BiOp FCRPS 2008 (non-Accord) FY25 SOY 05/31/2024

Pending Budget Decision?  No


Actual Project Cost Share

Current Fiscal Year — 2025
Cost Share Partner Total Proposed Contribution Total Confirmed Contribution
There are no project cost share contributions to show.
Previous Fiscal Years
Fiscal Year Total Contributions % of Budget
2023 (Draft)
2022 $556,392 68%
2021 $461,925 64%
2020 $562,958 68%
2019 $360,753 58%
2018 $490,683 65%
2017 $675,125 72%
2016 $312,166 54%
2015 $299,907 53%
2014 $229,218 47%
2013 $399,936 60%
2012 $343,216 57%
2011 $318,936 53%
2010 $236,864 47%
2009 $233,653 47%
2008 $255,712 50%
2007 $228,635 64%

Contracts

The table below contains contracts with the following statuses: Active, Closed, Complete, History, Issued.
* "Total Contracted Amount" column includes contracted amount from both capital and expense components of the contract.
Expense Contracts:
Number Contractor Name Title Status Total Contracted Amount Dates
11573 SOW Nez Perce Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) 2002-070-00 LAPWAI CREEK ANADROMOUS FISH Closed $686,924 9/1/2002 - 3/31/2005
21982 SOW Nez Perce Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) 2002-070-00 RESTORING ANAD. FISH HABITAT IN LAPWAI CREEK WATERSH Closed $330,374 3/1/2005 - 3/31/2006
26945 SOW Nez Perce Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) 2002-070-00 EXP NPSWCD LAPWAI CREEK WATERSHED RESTORATION Closed $332,796 3/1/2006 - 6/30/2007
32840 SOW Nez Perce Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) 2002-070-00 EXP NPSWCD LAPWAI CREEK WATERSHED RESTORATION Closed $129,957 4/1/2007 - 4/30/2008
38238 SOW Nez Perce Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) 2002-070-00 EXP NPSWCD LAPWAI CREEK WATERSHED RESTORATION Closed $259,103 5/1/2008 - 8/31/2009
42391 SOW Nez Perce Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) 200207000 EXP NPSWCD LAPWAI CREEK WATERSHED RESTORATION Closed $495,863 5/1/2009 - 4/30/2011
39929 REL 3 SOW Nez Perce Tribe CULTURAL RESOURCE INVENTORY OF THE 2010 NEZ PERCE SOIL AND WATER Closed $7,482 5/15/2010 - 8/15/2010
52837 SOW Nez Perce Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) 2002-070-00 EXP NP SWCD LAPWAI CREEK WATERSHED RESTORATION Closed $272,228 5/1/2011 - 8/31/2012
39929 REL 6 SOW Nez Perce Tribe NEZ PERCE TRIBE CR PROGRAM-LAPWAI CREEK PROJECT Closed $13,282 8/12/2011 - 12/30/2011
57048 SOW Nez Perce Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) 2002-070-00 EXP NP SWCD - LAPWAI CK WATERSHED RESTORATION Closed $261,756 5/1/2012 - 4/30/2013
61265 SOW Nez Perce Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) 2002-070-00 EXP NP SWCD - LAPWAI CK WATERSHED RESTORATION Closed $261,759 5/1/2013 - 7/31/2014
64969 SOW Nez Perce Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) 2002-070-00 EXP NP SWCD - LAPWAI CK WATERSHED RESTORATION Closed $261,759 5/1/2014 - 4/30/2015
68701 SOW Nez Perce Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) 2002-070-00 EXP NP SWCD - LAPWAI CK WATERSHED RESTORATION Closed $261,759 5/1/2015 - 4/30/2016
72618 SOW Nez Perce Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) 2002-070-00 EXP NPSWCD - LAPWAI CK WATERSHED RESTORATION Closed $268,284 5/1/2016 - 4/30/2017
75932 SOW Nez Perce Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) 2002-070-00 EXP LAPWAI CREEK WATERSHED RESTORATION Closed $268,272 5/1/2017 - 4/30/2018
79145 SOW Nez Perce Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) 2002-070-00 EXP NP SWCD LAPWAI CREEK WATERSHED RESTORATION Closed $268,303 5/1/2018 - 4/30/2019
82058 SOW Nez Perce Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) 2002-070-00 EXP NP SWCD LAPWAI CREEK WATERSHED RESTORATION Closed $259,500 5/1/2019 - 6/30/2020
85245 SOW Nez Perce Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) 2002-070-00 EXP LAPWAI CREEK WATERSHED RESTORATION Closed $259,496 5/1/2020 - 4/30/2021
87866 SOW Nez Perce Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) 2002-070-00 EXP LAPWAI CREEK WATERSHED RESTORATION Closed $259,455 5/1/2021 - 4/30/2022
90256 SOW Nez Perce Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) 2002-070-00 EXP LAPWAI CREEK WATERSHED RESTORATION Closed $259,500 5/1/2022 - 4/30/2023
92377 SOW Nez Perce Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) 2002-070-00 EXP LAPWAI CREEK WATERSHED RESTORATION Closed $259,500 5/1/2023 - 4/30/2024
94706 SOW Nez Perce Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) 2002-070-00 EXP LAPWAI CREEK WATERSHED RESTORATION Issued $270,918 5/1/2024 - 4/30/2025
CR-375383 SOW Nez Perce Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) 2002-070-00 EXP LAPWAI CREEK WATERSHED RESTORATION Pending $270,918 5/1/2025 - 4/30/2026



Annual Progress Reports
Expected (since FY2004):23
Completed:22
On time:22
Status Reports
Completed:98
On time:57
Avg Days Late:5

                Count of Contract Deliverables
Earliest Contract Subsequent Contracts Title Contractor Earliest Start Latest End Latest Status Accepted Reports Complete Green Yellow Red Total % Green and Complete Canceled
11573 21982, 26945, 32840, 38238, 42391, 52837, 57048, 61265, 64969, 68701, 72618, 75932, 79145, 82058, 85245, 87866, 90256, 92377, 94706, CR-375383 2002-070-00 EXP LAPWAI CREEK WATERSHED RESTORATION Nez Perce Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) 09/01/2002 04/30/2026 Pending 98 496 14 0 6 516 98.84% 1
Project Totals 98 496 14 0 6 516 98.84% 1


The table content is updated frequently and thus contains more recent information than what was in the original proposal reviewed by ISRP and Council.

Review: 2022 Anadromous Fish Habitat & Hatchery Review

Council Recommendation

Assessment Number: 2002-070-00-NPCC-20230310
Project: 2002-070-00 - Lapwai Creek Anadromous Habitat
Review: 2022 Anadromous Fish Habitat & Hatchery Review
Approved Date: 4/15/2022
Recommendation: Implement
Comments: Bonneville and Sponsor to take the review remarks into consideration in project documentation.

[Background: See https://www.nwcouncil.org/2021-2022-anadromous-habitat-and-hatchery-review/]

Independent Scientific Review Panel Assessment

Assessment Number: 2002-070-00-ISRP-20230324
Project: 2002-070-00 - Lapwai Creek Anadromous Habitat
Review: 2022 Anadromous Fish Habitat & Hatchery Review
Completed Date: None
Documentation Links:
Review: 2013 Geographic Category Review

Council Recommendation

Assessment Number: 2002-070-00-NPCC-20131126
Project: 2002-070-00 - Lapwai Creek Anadromous Habitat
Review: 2013 Geographic Category Review
Proposal: GEOREV-2002-070-00
Proposal State: Pending BPA Response
Approved Date: 11/5/2013
Recommendation: Implement with Conditions
Comments: Implement through FY 2018: Sponsor should consider addressing ISRP qualification #2 in future reviews. See Programmatic Issue and Recommendation A for effectiveness monitoring (ISRP qualification #1).
Conditions:
Council Condition #1 ISRP Qualification: Qualification #1—See Programmatic Issue and Recommendation A for effectiveness monitoring (ISRP qualification #1).
Council Condition #2 ISRP Qualification: Qualification #2—Sponsor should consider addressing ISRP qualification #2 in future reviews.
Council Condition #3 Programmatic Issue: A. Implement Monitoring, and Evaluation at a Regional Scale—See Programmatic Issue and Recommendation A for effectiveness monitoring (ISRP qualification #1).

Independent Scientific Review Panel Assessment

Assessment Number: 2002-070-00-ISRP-20130610
Project: 2002-070-00 - Lapwai Creek Anadromous Habitat
Review: 2013 Geographic Category Review
Proposal Number: GEOREV-2002-070-00
Completed Date: 6/11/2013
Final Round ISRP Date: 6/10/2013
Final Round ISRP Rating: Meets Scientific Review Criteria (Qualified)
Final Round ISRP Comment:

1. Purpose: Significance to Regional Programs, Technical Background, and Objectives

This proposal provides excellent technical background information that demonstrates the significance of the project to regional programs. A map with overview of landownership helps describe the physical setting. The descriptive summary of existing habitat and fundamental habitat problems is generally well done. Efforts in Lapwai Creek are conducted jointly by this project on private lands and by project #199001700 on land owned by the Nez Perce Tribe, tribal members, and public lands. Objectives for the two projects are the same and work is based upon the 2009 Lapwai Creek Restoration Strategy, developed by both organizations that delineated the priority stream assessment units in the watershed.

Limiting factors were identified and standards were established for reducing their impacts. Importantly, quantitative deliverables and objectives were presented so reviewers and stakeholders have a good idea of what may be accomplished by this effort.

2. History: Accomplishments, Results, and Adaptive Management (Evaluation of Results)

The proposal provides an excellent, detailed, photographic and quantitative description of accomplishments associated with each objective during the past 10 years or so. Other proposals should take notice, as often other proposals simply provide reference to project reports. This approach makes it easy for reviewers and stakeholders to see that this effort has been successful in past efforts. The description of the prioritization process and the flow charts used are clear and nicely done.

The proposal indicates it will develop a robust adaptive management program that addresses concerns raised by the ISRP with regard to adaptive management in general. This is good, but given that the project has been in operation for many years it is not clear why a robust adaptive management plan has not already been developed. In the adaptive management section, the proposal provides examples of how it has learned from its ongoing activities.

3. Project Relationships, Emerging Limiting Factors, and Tailored Questions

The project has its own monitoring program, and the program discusses linkages to the Nez Perce Tribe's effort, action effectiveness monitoring, and the CHaMP effort that will begin in 2018. It would be good if the sponsor can directly address the issue of whether its proposed monitoring overlaps or duplicates that of other monitoring, and how well the proposed monitoring will contribute to programs that will begin in a few years, that is CHaMP.

The proposal provides a good discussion of several potential emerging limiting factors such as climate change impacts on temperature and flow, nonnative species, predators, and toxic chemicals. The proposal did not fully discuss, based on past experience, whether private landownership constrains implementation of the high priority projects; the sponsors did state that the success of certain objectives is dependent on cooperation by private landowners. This leads to high uncertainty. Past experience, as communicated on the site visit, is that landowners approach the SWCD for assistance during emergencies like the 1996 flood. The ISRP encourages the sponsors to continue their consideration of possible inducements.

4. Deliverables, Work Elements, Metrics, and Methods

Seven deliverables are proposed to support the objectives. They are presented in sufficient detail, with specific design criteria. Excellent benchmarks are provided with the proposed deliverables. Methods are briefly mentioned with each objective.


===========QUALIFICATIONS FOLLOW================

The ISRP has two concerns, both of which can be dealt with in contracting and future reviews:

 

Qualification #1 - Qualification #1
Ensure that ongoing monitoring is consistent with and can be efficiently utilized by monitoring programs that will begin in a few years (CHaMP in 2018),
Qualification #2 - Qualification #2
Further consider the issue of how private landownership inhibits high priority projects and develop additional approaches that encourage private landowners to participate.
First Round ISRP Date: 6/10/2013
First Round ISRP Rating: Meets Scientific Review Criteria (Qualified)
First Round ISRP Comment:

1. Purpose: Significance to Regional Programs, Technical Background, and Objectives

This proposal provides excellent technical background information that demonstrates the significance of the project to regional programs. A map with overview of landownership helps describe the physical setting. The descriptive summary of existing habitat and fundamental habitat problems is generally well done. Efforts in Lapwai Creek are conducted jointly by this project on private lands and by project #199001700 on land owned by the Nez Perce Tribe, tribal members, and public lands. Objectives for the two projects are the same and work is based upon the 2009 Lapwai Creek Restoration Strategy, developed by both organizations that delineated the priority stream assessment units in the watershed.

Limiting factors were identified and standards were established for reducing their impacts. Importantly, quantitative deliverables and objectives were presented so reviewers and stakeholders have a good idea of what may be accomplished by this effort.

2. History: Accomplishments, Results, and Adaptive Management (Evaluation of Results)

The proposal provides an excellent, detailed, photographic and quantitative description of accomplishments associated with each objective during the past 10 years or so. Other proposals should take notice, as often other proposals simply provide reference to project reports. This approach makes it easy for reviewers and stakeholders to see that this effort has been successful in past efforts. The description of the prioritization process and the flow charts used are clear and nicely done.

The proposal indicates it will develop a robust adaptive management program that addresses concerns raised by the ISRP with regard to adaptive management in general. This is good, but given that the project has been in operation for many years it is not clear why a robust adaptive management plan has not already been developed. In the adaptive management section, the proposal provides examples of how it has learned from its ongoing activities.

3. Project Relationships, Emerging Limiting Factors, and Tailored Questions

The project has its own monitoring program, and the program discusses linkages to the Nez Perce Tribe's effort, action effectiveness monitoring, and the CHaMP effort that will begin in 2018. It would be good if the sponsor can directly address the issue of whether its proposed monitoring overlaps or duplicates that of other monitoring, and how well the proposed monitoring will contribute to programs that will begin in a few years, that is CHaMP.

The proposal provides a good discussion of several potential emerging limiting factors such as climate change impacts on temperature and flow, nonnative species, predators, and toxic chemicals. The proposal did not fully discuss, based on past experience, whether private landownership constrains implementation of the high priority projects; the sponsors did state that the success of certain objectives is dependent on cooperation by private landowners. This leads to high uncertainty. Past experience, as communicated on the site visit, is that landowners approach the SWCD for assistance during emergencies like the 1996 flood. The ISRP encourages the sponsors to continue their consideration of possible inducements.

4. Deliverables, Work Elements, Metrics, and Methods

Seven deliverables are proposed to support the objectives. They are presented in sufficient detail, with specific design criteria. Excellent benchmarks are provided with the proposed deliverables. Methods are briefly mentioned with each objective.


===========QUALIFICATIONS FOLLOW================

The ISRP has two concerns, both of which can be dealt with in contracting and future reviews:

 

Modified by Dal Marsters on 6/11/2013 3:48:23 PM.
Documentation Links:
Review: FY07-09 Solicitation Review

Council Recommendation

Assessment Number: 2002-070-00-NPCC-20090924
Project: 2002-070-00 - Lapwai Creek Anadromous Habitat
Review: FY07-09 Solicitation Review
Approved Date: 10/23/2006
Recommendation: Fund
Comments: ISRP fundable in part:? funding in FY 07 for completion of inventory and assessments.

Independent Scientific Review Panel Assessment

Assessment Number: 2002-070-00-ISRP-20060831
Project: 2002-070-00 - Lapwai Creek Anadromous Habitat
Review: FY07-09 Solicitation Review
Completed Date: 8/31/2006
Final Round ISRP Date: None
Final Round ISRP Rating: Meets Scientific Review Criteria - In Part
Final Round ISRP Comment:
The ISRP was provided a response to the fix-it loop for proposal 199901700 Protect and Restore Lapwai Creek Watershed (NPT) and 200207000 Lapwai Creek Anadromous Habitat (NPSWCD) - integrated sister projects to address habitat restoration and protection on Lapwai Creek on tribal and private land.

The sponsors addressed the questions raised by the ISRP in the preliminary review. The adequacy of the answers to inform and assist the ISRP in their proposal evaluation varied. The ISRP thanks the sponsors for the time and effort in producing the revised proposal narrative and explanations of the projects' history.

The sponsors indicated that stream habitat and watershed inventories, and a compilation on fish population abundance will be completed soon; final assessments shall be available in 2007. Based on that commitment, these projects are Fundable in Part (incrementally). In 2007, the fundable work includes completion of the inventory and assessments. Following that, work possibly fundable in 2008 and 2009 might be for restoration actions, contingent upon a written plan that uses those assessments to establish biological objectives, strategies and actions, and an approach to measure whether progress is being made in achieving the objectives.

The reporting of results was limited to a reporting of tasks accomplished, i.e., compliance monitoring. When they are developing their prescriptions they should include an evaluation of the biological results of their past actions. What is needed is a specific goal, with a timeframe for changes in habitat conditions and fish population abundance and productivity. Sponsors clarify for the ISRP their understanding of compliance and effectiveness monitoring, and inform the ISRP that they appreciate the necessity of effectiveness monitoring, but state that it is beyond the willingness of Council and BPA to fund those data collections and analysis. The ISRP understands the constraints placed on sponsors, but also believes sponsors need to be creative in developing methods to determine whether their restoration efforts are providing a benefit. Can riparian habitat be evaluated by photo points or aerial photography and be cost effective? How can stream flow and stream temperature be monitored to determine if treatments were effective? How can adult fish in and smolts out be measured? An evaluation plan is expected.

An integrated process of watershed assessment remains incomplete after several years, but they can be credited with developing conservation plans and completion of several small actions. The revised narrative for the proposed work was a much better presentation than the original, and may have been acceptable if originally submitted in this manner. It also outlined the acceptable qualifications of the proponents.

This work in Lapwai Creek is supportable because of the potential for anadromous fish production. The answers to the questions and the narrative revision go a long way to clarifying for the ISRP the status and progress of anadromous fish species (primarily steelhead) and restoration potential in this watershed. The ISRP had many questions for the sponsors, so the detailed evaluation of the response to each is beyond the space and time available in this fix it loop review.
Documentation Links:

Legal Assessment (In-Lieu)

Assessment Number: 2002-070-00-INLIEU-20090521
Project Number: 2002-070-00
Review: FY07-09 Solicitation Review
Completed Date: 10/6/2006
In Lieu Rating: Problems May Exist
Cost Share Rating: 2 - May be reasonable
Comment: Inventory, planning, and multiple restoration activities (weed control, LWD, erosion control measures, CAFO measures et); other entities authorized/required to perform some: need confirmation or criteria or other screening that BPA not funding activities already required of another entity; also need confirmation that cost share is adequate.

Capital Assessment

Assessment Number: 2002-070-00-CAPITAL-20090618
Project Number: 2002-070-00
Review: FY07-09 Solicitation Review
Completed Date: 2/27/2007
Capital Rating: Does Not Qualify for Capital Funding
Capital Asset Category: None
Comment: None

Project Relationships: None

Name Role Organization
Lynn Rasmussen Project Lead Nez Perce Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD)
Steve Becker Supervisor Nez Perce Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD)
Paul Krueger (Inactive) Interested Party Bonneville Power Administration
Ashlee Rudolph (Inactive) Interested Party Bonneville Power Administration
Dorothy Welch Supervisor Bonneville Power Administration
Jody Lando Project SME Bonneville Power Administration
Virginia Preiss Project Manager Bonneville Power Administration
Jacquelyn Schei Env. Compliance Lead Bonneville Power Administration